Raspberry Rapture: A Summery Cocktail Delight

Discover how to make Raspberry Rapture at Shake, Sip, Serve. Perfect for summer sipping—drink responsibly and enjoy!

Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.

In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.

So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

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A Touch of History

While the Raspberry Rapture doesn’t have the centuries-old lineage of the martini or old fashioned, it’s a cocktail inspired by the classic gin and tonic. The addition of fresh raspberries modernises this base, making it a fruity, refreshing favourite for summer gatherings.

It represents what modern mixology does best: taking a simple classic and elevating it with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

The Science of Flavour

This cocktail works because of its balance:

Gin (60 ml) – London Dry Gin gives a clean, botanical backbone with juniper at the forefront.
Raspberries (10–12) – Sweet, tart, and vibrant, they add depth and a striking ruby-red hue.
Lemon juice (30 ml) – Adds citrus acidity to cut through sweetness.
Simple syrup (15 ml) – Softens the edges and enhances the fruitiness.
Basil (4–5 leaves) – Herbaceous freshness that lifts the drink.
Club soda – Adds effervescence for a crisp finish.

💡 Bartender Tip: Gently muddle the raspberries and basil. Over-muddling releases bitterness from the herbs and seeds.

Raspberry Rapture Recipe (AU Measurements)

Ingredients

60 ml London Dry Gin
30 ml Fresh lemon juice
15 ml Simple syrup
10–12 Fresh raspberries
4–5 Fresh basil leaves
Club soda
Ice
Garnish: Fresh raspberry, basil sprig, lemon wheel

Method

Muddle raspberries and basil with simple syrup in a shaker.
Add gin and lemon juice.
Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds.
Strain into a chilled rocks glass over ice.
Top with club soda.
Garnish with raspberry, basil, and a lemon wheel.

Variations & Creative Twists

Spicy kick – Add a pinch of chilli flakes when muddling.
Sparkling swap – Use sparkling wine instead of soda for a celebratory feel.
Frozen berries – Sub fresh for thawed frozen raspberries if needed.
Infused gin – Raspberry- or citrus-infused gins deepen the flavour.

Food Pairings

The Raspberry Rapture’s bright, citrusy profile makes it versatile:

Grilled salmon or chicken – Pairs with charred, savoury flavours.
Fresh salads – Complements crisp greens and vinaigrettes.
Cheese & fruit platters – Perfect with soft cheese, grapes, and stone fruits.
Light desserts – Pavlova, lemon tart, or strawberry shortbread.

Beyond the Drink: Sustainability & Community

Support local – Use Australian raspberries and craft gin when possible.
Reduce waste – Save leftover raspberries for jams or smoothies.
Choose sustainable spirits – Many Aussie distilleries now focus on eco-friendly practices.

In Conclusion

The Raspberry Rapture is the perfect cocktail for warm weather entertaining. It’s light, fruity, and approachable, but with enough sophistication to impress. By mastering its balance of flavours and experimenting with variations, you can make this cocktail your own — and share a little burst of summer with your mates.

The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
Let’s connect and continue the conversation!

Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/